Either go to the vendors or the exchange and pick up a complete set of the weapon type you want to try. Don't worry about getting blue or purple, green is plenty good. Should be able to get those cheap (and maybe even blue or purple depending on the type) along with the related consoles. Don't worry about getting Mk XI or Mk XII. Green or white Mk Xs are fine for this.

Try them. If you don't like them. Try something else. Once you find something you like, begin investing in higher quality.

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STO Forum member since before February 2010.STO Academy's excellent skill planner here: LinkI actually avoid success entirely. It doesn't get me what I want, and the consequences for failure are slim. -- markhawman